23. The Hall of Words
Staying where they had made camp, they wrapped themselves up as the weather was getting steadily colder and the nights were beginning to be uncomfortably below freezing. They were all in sleeping bags, apart from Phoenix who had tucked her legs inside her massive waterproof. Still, they were all shivering.
Finally, they gave in and Phoenix went to collect firewood, something which they had avoided doing so far. Since the giant encounter they had decided it was best to steer clear of fires, as the smoke showed off their position like a neon arrow pointing to them.
Lighting the fire, Phoenix said, “Why don't we cook those fish? They need eating, else they'll go off and will stink like anything.”
“Good idea.” Peter began to fashion a spit out of twigs.
As they sat roasting the fish over the fire, Jason sighed. “Maybe tomorrow all this will be over, one way or another.”
“I can't wait.” admitted Emma. “A nice warm bath... Clean clothes... Assuming we survive, and don't get ripped to shreds by some monstrous beast.”
“You're such a little ray of sunshine, Emma.” murmured Charlie.
Rising early, they set off briskly across the valley to the Hall of Words. The forest grew more and more overgrown as they made their way towards it, and they resorted to using large sticks to battle their way through. However, they made good head way and soon clambered their way onto the rocky shelf where the arched entrance stood. On reaching the stone archway, they halted. Their weapons were drawn and they edged cautiously towards the dark passage beyond.
Two growls either side of them met their ears. They turned without needing to know what approached them. The white lions slunk into view, their marble skin shining in the faint sunlight.
They crouched under the arch, and looked expectantly at the little group. The five of them ventured forwards, eyes never leaving the white lions.
The lion on the left turned its head and looked Charlie straight in the eye. “Do you wish to enter the Hall of Words?” Its deep, male voice boomed out, much louder than necessary, and it surveyed them with an intense stare.
“Yes.” said Charlie loudly and clearly.
“Very well.” The other lion spoke this time, a female voice but just as powerful.
“To pass you must answer the riddle correctly. If you answer incorrectly, we have a feast.” The male lion said, running his tongue over his very sharp teeth.
“I thought it was sphinxes that did riddles?” said Peter.
“Why would we want half a weak human body when we can have a full powerful lion's body?” The female lion flicked its tail with impatience.
“What is the riddle?” asked Charlie.
“The birth of fear,
The bane of joy.
The more there is,
The less you see.
The depths of shadow,
Unseen, unheard, untouched.” Recited the male lion faultlessly.
There was silence as they each tried to figure out what could possibly be the answer.
“What does ‘bane’ mean?” asked Emma.
“I think it means the death or ruin of something, but I’m not sure.” Said Phoenix.
